Gianna Mia and Francesco

How We Met

Francesco (Ciccio) and I first met through my best friend Juliana. He’s her second cousin. She and I have been best friends for 8 years, yet we never met. Until one night in late June of 2017, I was invited out down the shore to the beach in New Jersey, and there he was. I have been smiling ever since that night. I’m so lucky to journey through life with someone who brings out the very best parts of me. His laughter is so infectious that he lights up any room he’s in, and the love he has in his heart makes me feel like I’m home.

How They Asked

Ciccio turned an ordinary, amazing day on vacation in the Amalfi Coast to the best day of my life. We were taking a day trip from Positano to Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy. There’s the most beautiful view of the coast and a grand scenic garden. His parents asked for pictures of us and Ciccio said, “one more picture, one more” my purse fell off my shoulder as he got down on one knee.

When my gaze came back to the attention he was on his knee asking me to marry him. I cried, I said yes, and I hugged him. Then he booked us an engagement photoshoot in Positano, Italy. I am still over the moon excited for my new fiancé and I.